Royal Progeny of Pharaoh Thutmose III- Unveiling the Number of His Children

How Many Children Did Thutmose III Have?

Thutmose III, one of the most prominent pharaohs of ancient Egypt, ruled during the 18th Dynasty. Known for his military conquests and the expansion of the Egyptian Empire, Thutmose III has left a lasting legacy in history. However, one question that often arises is how many children Thutmose III had. This article delves into the available evidence and theories surrounding the number of offspring of this influential ruler.

The exact number of children Thutmose III had remains a topic of debate among historians and Egyptologists. Some sources suggest that he had as many as 40 children, while others propose a lower figure. The discrepancy in the numbers can be attributed to the limitations of the available historical records and the interpretations of these sources.

One of the primary sources of information about Thutmose III’s children is the list of his descendants found in the tomb of his mother, Queen Ahmose. This list mentions several of his children, including his heir, Thutmose IV, and his co-regent, Hatshepsut. However, the list is incomplete, and it is possible that some of Thutmose III’s children were not mentioned due to various reasons, such as their early deaths or their status as lesser-known members of the royal family.

Another source of information about Thutmose III’s children comes from the reliefs and inscriptions found in his own tomb, the Mortuary Temple, and other monuments. These sources provide additional names of his children, including his daughters, who were also princesses and potential candidates for the throne. However, the number of children mentioned in these sources is still lower than the 40 suggested by some sources.

The discrepancy in the number of children attributed to Thutmose III can also be attributed to the fact that some of his children may have been born out of wedlock. In ancient Egypt, it was not uncommon for royal families to have children outside of formal marriages. This could explain the higher number of children attributed to Thutmose III by some sources.

In conclusion, the question of how many children Thutmose III had remains a topic of debate among historians and Egyptologists. While some sources suggest a high number of 40 children, the available evidence from inscriptions and tomb records indicates a lower figure. The true number of Thutmose III’s children may never be fully known, but the available information provides valuable insights into the complex family dynamics of this influential pharaoh.